Where were you when the lights went out?

It was the largest blackout in North-American history, and affected significant portions of the Northeastern United States and most of Ontario
for up to 3 days in some areas!.

Here's how some people spent the 2003 Blackout:

Caroline, Burlington ON: I was at the airport and was dropped off just before the Blackout. I was fortunate enough to share a taxi back to my sister's placed and we had a huge neighbourhood party eating and drinking everything before it went bad!

Roslyn, Rus: August 14/03 was indeed a memorable day for me: less than one month after my beloved mother's passing, on August 14 I was at home, on the telephone with my best girlfriend, who suddenly exclaimed that the power went off everywhere in her office. At first I didn't believe it, since it was a beautiful, sunny day, and my living room was filled with lots of light! I went outside in my area, the Danforth, a short while afterwards, and to my amazement, many of my neighbours were also on the street, socializing and making the best of the situation! Several of the area restaurants partook of the "forced" energy-saving time, by offering easy-to-make meals on their patios, etc. Another interesting tidbit that I vividly remember about that day: the subtle silence! It was refreshing to not hear the high-pitched, hydroelectric "hum" for one day! ... Since 2003, I have become increasingly more "green", endeavouring to put as little garbage into Mother Earth as possible; I am very desirous of living off-grid and encourage everyone else to consider alternative energy sources! With blessings, Roslyn.

Kelly, Pollock-Clemett:  I was at work during the blackout. It took a few hours for us to dig up a phone that didn't require power so we could check up on our loved ones. I walked home & shared a bottle of wine with my mom & then I shared another with my best friend. My husband (boyfriend at the time) was at his elderly aunts apartment. She was on a errand when the power went out & she wasn't able to get back to the 6th floor without the elevator. Hubby had to carry her most of the way.

Elaine Morton: I was at work when the power went out in 2003. When I carefully arrived home, I found my great neighbours had started a block party. We had a great evening socializing and star gazing. I felt very lucky when the power came back for me about 1 a.m. Family further away lost everything they had in their freezer, and a week's worth of insulin for their young son.

Michele Oxlade: I was at home during the 2003 blackout. We cooked on the BBQ and sat outside with our neighbours.

Rose Bergeron: I was just about to take the elevator down to leave the office when the power went off on August 14, 2003. It wasn't long before I learned that the power outtage not only affected my building, but the entire town and province. I picked up my son from daycare, and headed home, where neighbours kept me informed of the latest developments. People were talking about up to 3 days without electrical power. I was concerned about how I would be able to look after my 3 years-old for that long without hot water, or the use of a fridge or an oven. The first thing we took out of the freezer to eat was ice cream, which we shared with my son's friends.

Sheryl Saint: I just dropped my sister off at the airport and had an interesting time driving home. Was very inspired by everyone driving that evening. People were paying attention to the 4way stop at the lightless intersections and being extremely courteous! And went to the beer store and they were still selling beer as long as you had cash! Phew, I did!!! Once I got home there were a few neighbours outside talking about the major blackout and some of the speculation on how long it would last. Several neighbours joined us and we started to first get to know one another, and then figure out if anyone had a battery operated radio besides the car we were using. After a while we just ended up on our front lawns with candles going and sharing food and drink (including my beer!) and enjoyed each other company and the beautiful night sky. Mars, was really bright that summer and stood out so much that night. Every year since then we have had an annual gathering as close to the date as possible and invite new neighbours from the area! We are having another Blackout Day party this Friday August 14th! Hope you all enjoy the evening as well and have fun with the lights off! 

Amanda Beaubien: During the black out of 2003, I was 17 years old and didn't really think much of my footprint on the planet. The blackout opened my eyes and I started asking questions! Since then I have tried to keep my footprint on this planet as small as possible by: -substituting meat for tofu, beans and veggies at least twice a week -buying organic foods when the options are available -shopping locally -renting a smaller apartment to pay less in heating -Use a brita instead of bottled water -buy foods with as little packaging as possible by shopping at bulk barn and avoiding fruits and vegetables packaged in plastic -Biking to work or taking public transit in the winter -reading the news online -washing ziplocks, and tinfoil that are barely soiled and easily reusable I think the best way to sell being green is to tell people to start with 1 or 2 small initiatives a week. For example, unplugging your battery chargers (for phone or cell phone). It's very easy to get into the habit. Before long, you will find that you will have plenty of eco friendly habits! Thanks for all your hard work Blackoutday.ca! 

Monica Urbanas: During blackout day, I was stuck in a parking lot with my friend and his gas-less car. Until someone came to pick us up and take us back to my house. I will power down for sure on blackout day. I will unplug all unnecessary appliances except the lamp i will need to paint my new room! =) I have a recycling bin beside each garbage can that I use on a regular basis, this way I don't have to be lazy and say ah, the recycling bin is too far..

Alison Scarrow: On the second day of the blackout, my husband and I went to a conference in Toronto. We stayed at the Royal York - they had a generator so there was power in the hotel although limited. Many restaurants and businesses were closed. But it was magical to go to the restaurants who were open and dine by candlelight at night. There was a whole different, and quite nice, atmosphere.

Nina Rakic: Hello! I was rather young when the blackout occurred but i still remember it very well. The local convenience store was giving away free ice cream because it was all melting so a few of my friends and i brought a lot back and handed them out through out the neighbourhood. When night fell my family made a bbq in our backyard, lit a fire, and called on our neighbors to enjoy the food and tell scary stories!

Anita Lai: In 2003 Blackout, I actually got locked out of my own house. We usually go through our townhouse by our electrically operated garage door, and our main door has not only a key lock but a metal slide-in-n-out lock. On that particular day, we decided for added security, we slide the metal bar on our door, so even if the key unlocks the door, it would be still blocked. Unfortunately, with the Blackout comes the price of a malfunctioned garage door. My family and I ended up sleeping over at a neighbours house, eating up all the food in the fridge slowly as we kept each other company through the candle light.

Judy Bruins: I was at the Cock & Pheasant Pub in Streetsville, ON. with a friend. We were sitting on the patio and didn't realize there was a power failure until the waitress asked if I could pay with cash, instead of debit or credit. Getting home was a bit of a nightmare, but we partied the evening up with friends who had a gas barbeque and a cool rec room--a great escape from my hellishly hot condo.

KJ Bedford: I was in Hamilton, ON the day of the 2003 Blackout.

JP Greksa: I was at the GYM when the Black out happened. I will power down my work area on the 14th by shutting off lights to specific areas that are not used round the clock.